Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched and laid the foundation stone for several development projects in the poll-bound states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The projects cover key sectors such as petroleum, highways, railways, renewable energy, and rural connectivity. The Prime Minister visited Kochi and Tiruchirappalli and addressed public gatherings after launching the development works.

According to an official statement, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for projects worth around ₹16,450 crore across the two states. Of these, projects worth around ₹10,800 crore were launched in Kerala, while projects worth about ₹5,650 crore were launched in Tamil Nadu.

At Kochi, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for a polypropylene unit - Kochi Refinery of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited. The project involves an investment of more than ₹5,500 crore and will have a production capacity of 400 kilo tonnes per annum. Polypropylene is an essential material used in packaging, automotive components, medical devices, textiles, and household products. The project is expected to strengthen India’s domestic polymer manufacturing capability, reduce import dependency, promote industrial growth, and generate employment opportunities in the region.

The Prime Minister also inaugurated two major highway projects in Kerala. The first project is the six-laning of the Thalapady–Chengala section of National Highway 66, built at a cost of more than ₹2,650 crore. This highway section forms part of the Mumbai–Kanyakumari Economic Corridor and will improve connectivity between Kasaragod and Kannur districts and nearby regions, including Mangaluru and Muzhapilangad. The project will improve connectivity to towns such as Kasaragod, Bekal, Payyannur, and Kannur. It will strengthen links to Azhikkal Port and support tourism and trade in the region.

The six-laning of the Kozhikode Bypass from Vengalam to Ramanattukara, developed at a cost of around ₹2,140 crore, upgrades the existing undivided two-lane road into a six-lane highway with service roads on both sides. The project is expected to reduce congestion, improve traffic capacity, and enhance road safety. Travel time along this stretch is expected to reduce from more than one hour to about 15–20 minutes. The improved connectivity will promote tourism and benefit important destinations such as Kozhikode Beach, Beypore Port, and Kappad Beach.

Apart from highway projects, the Prime Minister also inaugurated 23 rural roads constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in Kerala. These roads are expected to improve connectivity in rural and remote areas and help provide better access to markets, education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, thereby strengthening rural livelihoods.

In the railway sector, the Prime Minister inaugurated three redeveloped railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. These stations include Shoranur Junction, Kuttippuram, and Changanassery. The stations have been modernised with improved passenger amenities and better accessibility features. The redevelopment integrates local architectural elements while creating modern and convenient travel spaces for passengers.

The Prime Minister also dedicated to the nation the electrification of the Shoranur–Nilambur railway line. Electrification of this rail section will enable faster and more efficient train operations by eliminating the need for locomotive changes at Shoranur and promoting environmentally sustainable rail transport by reducing carbon emissions.

During the event, the Prime Minister also flagged off a new train service between Palakkad and Pollachi, strengthening rail connectivity between Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Officials said the train service will benefit daily commuters, pilgrims, traders, and tourists travelling between the two states.

Another important project launched in Kerala is the foundation stone of a 50-MW floating solar project at West Kallada in Kollam district. The solar project is expected to contribute to India’s clean energy goals and strengthen efforts towards sustainable and low-carbon energy generation.

After the programme in Kerala, the Prime Minister travelled to Tiruchirappalli in Tamil Nadu, where he launched development projects worth about ₹5,650 crore. The projects cover sectors such as petroleum and natural gas infrastructure, lubricants manufacturing, rural roads, highways, and railway services.

In the petroleum sector, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited’s city gas distribution network in the Nilgiris and Erode districts. The project involves an investment of more than ₹3,680 crore. Once completed, it will provide piped natural gas (PNG) connections to more than 8.8 lakh households, supply gas to over 200 commercial establishments, and establish more than 201 compressed natural gas (CNG) stations in the region.

The Prime Minister also dedicated to the nation a lube blending plant of Indian Oil Corporation located at Manali in Chennai. The plant has a capacity of 6,72,000 metric tonnes per annum and has been developed with an investment of around ₹1,490 crore. The facility is expected to strengthen India’s lubricants manufacturing capacity.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, the Prime Minister also inaugurated 89 rural roads spanning around 370 kilometres in Tamil Nadu. These roads are expected to significantly improve connectivity to markets, schools, and healthcare facilities in rural areas.

The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for a greenfield bypass near Gangaikonda Cholapuram on National Highway 81. The project is expected to ease traffic movement and improve connectivity in the region.

In the railway sector, the Prime Minister flagged off several new train services from Tiruchirappalli. These include two Amrit Bharat Express trains, two express trains, and one passenger train service. The new train services will strengthen rail connectivity between Tamil Nadu and other regions, including Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, and eastern India. According to the official statement, these services are expected to benefit millions of passengers and support regional economic growth.

After launching the projects in both states, the Prime Minister addressed public gatherings as part of his visit. His visit to Kerala and Tamil Nadu comes ahead of the assembly elections in the two states.